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Rejected by BCG during CV screening - reapply to a different office?

BCG office rejection
New answer on Nov 17, 2020
5 Answers
4.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 05, 2019

Hi all,

I have recently applied to a major Continental European office with a referral and top grades from a top target school. I also have good extracurriculars.

Unfortunately, I was rejected before the Potential Test (at the CV stage). The feedback was very short and not very helpful.

My referee told me that I may apply at a later date or apply to London immediately (applications are open there).

What would you suggest? Can I actually apply to BCG London right now (after the rejection)?

(edited)

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Deniz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 05, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call

Hi,

Technically you are not allowed to apply to another office within 12 months. However, you have nothing to lose, and try to apply once more (but your chances will be higher if you apply via referral as mentioned earlier).

Best,

Deniz

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Best answer
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 05, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

if you have applied online you have been flagged in the system since BCG has a centralized database; in this case, applying again online during the ban period will very likely lead to rejection due to the previous application.

The only possible way to avoid this is using a very strong referral (partner level), although there is not guarantee it will work. Some people also try to cheat the system changing emails/names in the application, however even in this case you may be detected.

If you have applied “informally” forwarding your CV via a referral and without an online application, you may have not been reported in the system; if that’s the case, you will be assessed again based on the new documents uploaded. I would strongly recommend to apply via a senior referral and review your CV in this case before the new application.

In case you need help with referrals or CV/Cover review please feel free to PM me, I helped several people to land invitations also in competitive offices such as London.

Best,

Francesco

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Aws
Expert
replied on Oct 05, 2019
Senior Consultant @ Google | McKinsey, BCG, Bain exp. as Client | 100+ REAL MBB cases

Hi A,

If you apply to another office such as London, the resume screeners will be able to see in the system that you applied elsewhere already.

What level is you referee? A partner for example may be able to directly send your resume to HR - which could have better chances.

Does this help?

Best, Aws

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Anonymous A on Oct 05, 2019

Hello Aws, so in theory it would be better not to apply to BCG for a year? Also, it is quite strange to be rejected in such a way, Any idea why this happened? I got recommended by a fairly junior employee.

(edited)

Vlad
Expert
replied on Oct 06, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

If you had the test and you failed it - you are already in the system. Thus you can only reapply in 1-2 years

Best

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Anonymous A on Oct 06, 2019

Hi Vlad, I was rejected BEFORE taking the test. Does it change something?

(edited)

Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 17, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360 coach(Ex-McKinsey + Certified Coach + Active recruiter)

Hi there,

Sorry, but you cannot reapply to another office. You are in the ban list. I would recommend you wait 1 year and then reapply again.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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